Latvia and the Netherlands - Latvia

''The relations between the Netherlands and Latvia are like a stately oak tree'', a renowned Latvian President once said. An excellent illustration of the strong connection that exists, and has been existing for centuries, between the Netherlands and Latvia.

Throughout both countries you can find traces of this historic link. For instance, on my travels through Latvia, I came across old Dutch silver coins in Latvian villages, wooden structures made by Dutch shipworkers in Latvian churches and classical Delftware in Latvian castles. On the other hand, in the North of the Netherlands, you can visit the Veenkoloniaal museum where you can step back in time, into the city of Riga of earlier centuries. You can view old trading contracts and admire Riga silver spoons and porcelain, once brought back as souvenirs.

Dutch-Latvian trade history is now better known in the Netherlands, as it is featured in the popular TV-series and book “The Heir”. It tells the story of Dutch trader Joan Münninghoff and his family, who ran a flourishing wood and wooden furniture company in Riga before WWII. Yet, even centuries before Münninghoff started his business, Dutch-Latvian trade relations existed as part of the Hanseatic trading routes. We can proudly speak of more than 800 years of bilateral relations.

Today, the Netherlands is still one of the most important investors in Latvia. Dutch companies are active in a variety of sectors. From transportation to real estate, from woodworking to manufacturing and retail. With its ambitious climate goals and objective of energy independency, there is great Latvian interest in Dutch Wind Energy as well as sustainable mobility expertise. The Embassy in Riga is actively supporting the companies and stakeholders involved.

Since Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the bond between Latvia and the Netherlands has grown even stronger. We stand together in condemning Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and are united in our unwavering support to Ukraine. We are joint in protecting the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, human rights and rule of law. Working together on this as partners in the EU, NATO, UN and other multilateral fora.
In the Baltic region, the Netherlands has taken on a committed and active role in security. The Dutch Navy is often exercising in the Baltic Sea. Our ships and sailors can frequently be seen in the port of Riga as the Netherlands is part of the Standing NATO Maritime group and the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group. In addition, 350 Dutch soldiers are part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in neighboring Lithuania. Last but certainly not least, fighter planes of the Dutch Airforce are regularly patrolling the airspace above the Baltic countries.